How to get around London amid bus, rail, and tube strikes this week

More bus and rail strikes are set to break out this week in a long-running dispute over pay, job security and layoffs.

Transport for London (TfL) says certain routes will not operate on strike days. It warned of “serious disruptions” to the city’s entire public transport network.

Here’s everything you need to know about the strikes and how to get around London when they take place.

When are strikes this week?

Abellio bus drivers are on strike for three days from Wednesday 1st February to Friday 3rd February.

Meanwhile, train drivers represented by the Aslef and RMT unions will go on strike on February 1st and 3rd.

There will be no rail strikes on Thursday 2 February.

There will be strikes on the Bakerloo line on Saturday 4th February and Saturday 11th February.

The union Unite, which represents bus drivers, is demanding a wage increase that matches the cost of living.

Rail unions are at loggerheads with the government and rail companies over wages, job cuts and changes to terms and conditions.

Bosses say changes must be agreed to afford pay rises and modernize the railroad.

Which routes are affected?

Most TfL services will operate as usual during the strikes, but commuters should expect service disruptions.

Elizabeth liner services could be changed or suspended at short notice due to strikes up to 28 February and Bakerloo liner services are expected to be suspended on strike days.

According to TfL, the routes affected by the Abellio strikes are mainly in west and south London. Other bus lines are not affected, it said.

Here are the bus routes said to be affected by the strikes:

daily routes

3, 27, 45, 63, 68, 109, 130, 156, 195, 196, 201, 207, 267, 270, 278, 315, 322, 350, 367, 381, 407, 415, 427, 433, 464, 482, 490, 969, C10, E5, E7, E10, E11, H20, H25, H28, H26, P5, P13, R68, R70, S4, U5, U7, U9

Route 481 operates with fewer services on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

24 hour routes

24, 111, 159, 285, 344, 345

The story goes on

night routes

N3, N27, N63, N68, N109, N207, N381

school routes

671

How to get around in London during a strike

London Underground and S-Bahn will be operational, but commuters should expect disruption, particularly at rush hour.

Most buses, apart from those in south and west London, will not be affected by the bus strikes.

It is highly recommended that you walk to your destination if it is within walking distance.

Alternatively, you can use a taxi company such as Uber or Bolt. These services are expected to be busy on strike days, so it might be worth booking your ride in advance.

You can also book an Uber boat on the Uber app to ride from 24 piers in the capital.

There are also many Santander Cycles available for hire from 800 docking stations in London. It costs £1.65 to hire a bike from Santander Cycles for 30 minutes.

Visit the TfL website for more information on planning your trip.